Euthanasia may be answer to incurable pain, says pain expert

A South Island pain specialist says euthanasia should be available for some people suffering from incurable pain. Christchurch psychologist Dr Mark Ottley, who leads psychological pain management services at Southern Rehab, said the best medications, psychological help and palliative care did not always work for patients. "Yes it might help a bit but not really to the extent that a patient really feels life is worth living . . . so in those cases and where we think the person is mentally competent and is able to weigh these decisions, their self determination should be respected, I think."